| How do I
join the Club? See the information under Join Us |
| What boat
should I buy? Looking back over the last few years many newcomers to the club were sold boats that in retrospect were too 'big and stable' for them. Whitewater boaters 'wear' their kayaks but you need to be able to wiggle about a bit in a sea kayak to be comfortable on a long trip; however, you also need to be able to stick nicely in the cockpit to control the boat. You might be worried about getting out of the capsized kayak or being trapped, but this is much more about technique than the size of the cockpit, once you have practiced half a dozen times you will be able to slickly exit the smallest of boats. Your sense of balance will also develop quickly it is amazing how soon that wobbly boat becomes a stable platform. Come and talk to club members, try out some of their boats before deciding. There are such a range of boats available. The first question is what sort of paddling am I likely to be doing. Most of us have an 'all round' plastic boat like the 'Dancer' which we still enjoy using from time to time, despite later investment in specialist white water or sea kayaks. These are good boats for learning the basics, almost indestructable, an already scratched secondhand boat can be resold for the same price if you don't like it. For further advice check out manufacturers reviews or search the UKriversguidebook forum |
| What
clothes should I wear? Cycling it pays to be slightly under-dressed as you soon warm up, canoeing is the opposite, what feels hot on the beach may only just be adequate once on the water. Having said that, your lower half inside the boat is protected most of the time. We aim to stay dry on most trips, well designed specialist clothing helps you do this but is expensive. If you are coming on a Monday night for the first time you are going to get wet. An old wetsuit that allows you to move your arms freely coupled with an old cagoule to keep the wind off is ideal. If you have not got a wetsuit, shorts and a top are OK. Cotton feels wet and cold but modern 'tech' and fleecy type fabrics dry quickly and some are warm when wet, wear a couple of layers. Kayaking cags have a strange cut, very large around the shoulders for freedom of movement and the muscles you are about to develop, and very tight around the waist to keep the water out and not get in the way when swimming. If you don't have something suitable, contact the club ahead of time, most of us have an old one you could borrow. You need something on your feet like an old pair of trainers or beach shoes. |
| What
paddle to use? After the boat, the paddle is the most essential bit of kit. They come in all sizes and shapes, one size does not fit all. Talk to club members and try out some different ones before you buy. |
| Buoyancy
aid? The question is not should I wear one or not; (they are compulsory in any case for all Club activities) but if you are in the water you do not want to be worrying about swimming, you need to be floating with both hands free. Although the Club has some you can borrow you will soon want to buy your own. Models with loads of pockets are good for expeditions and longer trips but can be bulky and get in the way in practice sessions and in whitewater or surf. Getting one that fits is the most important thing, there is nothing worse than a loose buoyancy aid which rides up around your neck. |